Sanitizing light assembly

ABSTRACT

The invention relates generally to a sanitizing device that may comprise of an enclosure, a conveyor module, a plurality of sanitizing light sources, and possibly a sealing module. Objects that need to be sanitized may be transported or placed inside the enclosure and can be exposed to sanitizing lights from a plurality of sanitizing light sources. After the exposure to the sanitizing lights, the objects may convey out of the apparatus or go through a sealing module before exiting the enclosure. The conveyor module of the sanitizing device may be driven by torque created by an exterior conveyor belt or a motorized mechanism integrated within the apparatus.

PRIORITY NOTICE

The present application is a Continuation of Non-Provisional patentapplication with Ser. No. 17/176,127, filed on Feb. 15, 2021, whichclaims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication with Ser. No. Filing 63/065,870 filed on Aug. 14, 2020, thedisclosure of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a sanitizing device that maycomprise of an enclosure, a conveyor module, a plurality of sanitizinglight sources, and possibly a sealing module to sanitize objects thatare placed inside the apparatus.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent application may containmaterial that is subject to copyright protection. The owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightswhatsoever. Certain marks referenced herein may be common law orregistered trademarks of third parties affiliated or unaffiliated withthe applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is by way of exampleand should not be construed as descriptive or to limit the scope of thisinvention to material associated only with such marks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electromagnetic light emitted at a certain wavelength range may have theeffect of sanitizing and disinfecting the surface of an object that isexposed to the emission. As a result, there are germicidal or sanitizingdevices that use electromagnetic light as a tool for sanitizing objectsthat have bacteria or viruses on their surface.

Some devices even have an enclosure and a conveyor module where theobjects may be transported through the enclosure to be exposed to theelectromagnetic light sources. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,067,089 B2discloses an apparatus for sanitizing a plurality of articles, whichcomprises an enclosure enclosing a sanitizing zone and at least oneultraviolet irradiating source. Furthermore, U.S. Patent ApplicationUS20090252646A1 discloses enclosures that include light generatingsterilization sources and conveying systems for sterilizing.

However, these prior art devices have several shortcomings. For example,these devices are generally part of large assembly lines in manufactorysettings. Thus, those devices are not easily modified for other useswith existing conveyor systems, nor are those devices easilytransportable.

Therefore, there is a need for a sanitizing assembly that addresses theprior art shortcomings and has other advantages over the current stateof the art. It is to these ends that the present invention has beendeveloped.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize otherlimitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding thepresent specification, the present invention describes a device thatserves as an assembly line for objects to travel through and besanitized by sanitizing light sources and possibly be covered and sealedby a sealing material to preserve the cleanliness of the objects.

Generally, the invention is a sanitizing assembly that may be comprisedof a shroud or enclosure, a conveyor module, a plurality of sanitizinglight sources, and possibly a sealing module. Objects that need to besanitized may be transported or placed inside the enclosure and can beexposed to electromagnetic waves from a plurality of sanitizing lightsources. The objects that need to be sanitized may be any organic orinorganic object that fits inside the enclosure. The conveyor module ofthe invention may transport the objects through the inside of theenclosure where the objects get exposed to a plurality of sanitizinglight sources. The conveyor belt of the conveyor module may betransparent or semi-transparent to allow additional sanitizing lightsources situated in-between the conveyor belt to sanitize the bottom ofthe objects. Also, the conveyor module of the sanitizing device may bedriven by torque created by an exterior conveyor belt or a motorizedmechanism integrated within the apparatus. After the sanitizationprocess, the objects may possibly go through a sealing process where theinvention encapsulates and seals the sanitized objects and detach themfrom the rest of the sealing material.

A sanitizing assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention, may include: an enclosure with an inlet and an outletopposite longitudinal ends of the enclosure, the enclosure including atop shell removably coupled to a bottom shell; a power supply modulesecured inside the enclosure for supplying power to one or more devices;a conveyor module secured to and entirely contained inside the bottomshell of the enclosure, including a conveyor belt adapted to moveobjects between the inlet and the outlet of the enclosure; and alight-emitting module secured to and entirely contained inside theenclosure, the light-emitting module adapted to disperse a sanitizinglight onto the objects moved between the inlet and the outlet of theenclosure.

A sanitizing assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention, may include: an enclosure with an inlet and an outletopposite longitudinal ends of the enclosure, the enclosure including atop shell removably coupled to a bottom shell; a power supply modulesecured inside the enclosure for supplying power to one or more devices;a conveyor module secured to and entirely contained inside the bottomshell of the enclosure, including a conveyor belt adapted to moveobjects between the inlet and the outlet of the enclosure; alight-emitting module secured to and entirely contained inside theenclosure, the light-emitting module adapted to disperse a sanitizinglight onto the objects moved between the inlet and the outlet of theenclosure, wherein the light-emitting module includes a plurality ofsanitizing light-emitting lamps situated on the top shell of theenclosure and directly above the conveyor belt of the conveyor module oron the bottom shell of the enclosure and directly below the conveyorbelt of the conveyor module; and a sealing module adjacent to theconveyor module and housed entirely inside the enclosure, the sealingmodule adapted to wrap a portion of a sealing material over the objectsafter the objects are exposed to the sanitizing light and expel a sealedsanitized object from the enclosure.

A sanitizing assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention, may include: an enclosure with an inlet and an outletopposite longitudinal ends of the enclosure, the enclosure including atop shell removably coupled to a bottom shell; a power supply modulesecured inside the enclosure for supplying power to one or more devices;a conveyor module secured to and entirely contained inside the bottomshell of the enclosure, including a conveyor belt adapted to moveobjects between the inlet and the outlet of the enclosure; alight-emitting module secured to and entirely contained inside theenclosure, the light-emitting module adapted to disperse a sanitizinglight onto the objects moved between the inlet and the outlet of theenclosure; and a sealing module adjacent to the conveyor module andhoused entirely inside the enclosure, the sealing module adapted to wrapa portion of a sealing material over the objects after the objects areexposed to the sanitizing light and expel a sealed sanitized object fromthe enclosure.

A sanitizing assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention, may include: an enclosure with an inlet and an outletopposite longitudinal ends of the enclosure, the enclosure including atop shell coupled to a bottom shell; a conveyor module secured to andentirely contained inside the bottom shell of the enclosure, including aconveyor belt adapted to move objects between the inlet and the outletof the enclosure; a conveyor interface for coupling the conveyor moduleto an external conveyor system, the conveyor interface adapted to drivethe conveyor belt of the conveyor module from a force exerted by theexternal conveyor system; and a light-emitting module secured to andentirely contained inside the enclosure, the light-emitting moduleadapted to disperse a sanitizing light onto the objects moved betweenthe inlet and the outlet of the enclosure.

As may be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a system and devicein accordance with the present invention may be utilized not only forsanitizing purposes, but also for other purposes involving the need forexposing objects to electromagnetic light, sealing objects, set inmotion a conveyor module using an exterior conveyor belt, or otherdisclosures and functions that are specified herein, all within a singlecontinuous flow embodiment.

Various objectives and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration andexample, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings submittedherein constitute a part of this specification, include exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects andfeatures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The sanitizing assembly as disclosed herein is further described interms of exemplary embodiments. These exemplary embodiments aredescribed in detail with reference to the drawings, which have notnecessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity andimprove understanding of the various embodiments of the invention.Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood tothose in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear viewof the various embodiments of the invention. These embodiments arenon-limiting exemplary embodiments, in which like reference numeralsrepresent similar structures throughout the several views of thedrawings. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can bebriefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram showing the broad scope of componentsthat are essential to the functioning of the apparatus.

FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram showing an embodiment of theapparatus that discloses one variation of the invention's importantcomponents.

FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram showing another embodiment of theapparatus that discloses a variation of the invention's importantcomponents.

FIG. 2A illustrates the outside view of one embodiment of the sanitizingassembly that can be installed on top of an exterior conveyor belt.

FIG. 2B illustrates a close-up view of the outside view of oneembodiment of the sanitizing assembly that can be installed on top of anexterior conveyor belt.

FIG. 2C illustrates a transparent view through the exterior walls of oneembodiment of the sanitizing assembly.

FIG. 3A illustrates the internal components of the conveyor subassemblymechanism with the conveyor belt removed.

FIG. 3B illustrates the longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conveyormodule.

FIG. 3C-FIG. 3D illustrate close-up views of a conveyor drive mechanismin one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates the outside view of one embodiment of the sanitizingassembly where the conveyor module is sheltered inside the apparatusalong with the rest of the invention's internal components.

FIG. 4B illustrates a close-up view of the outside view of the top shellof one embodiment of the sanitizing assembly.

FIG. 4C illustrates a close-up view of the bottom shell of oneembodiment of the sanitizing assembly where the inside components areshown.

FIG. 5A-FIG. 5B illustrate transparent top and front views showingcomponents through the exterior walls of another embodiment of thesanitizing assembly.

FIG. 6A illustrates the interior view of the bottom shell without aconveyor belt and sealing material.

FIG. 6B illustrates the interior view of the top shell and thecomponents it contains.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments andapplications of the present invention, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part thereof, where depictions aremade, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized, and changes may be made without departingfrom the scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same referencenumbers are used in the drawings and the following description to referto the same or similar elements.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent to those skilledin the art that the present teachings may be practiced without suchdetails. In other instances, well known structures, components and/orfunctional or structural relationship thereof, etc., have been describedat a relatively high-level, without detail, in order to avoidunnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings.

Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meaningssuggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning.Likewise, the phrase “in one embodiment/example” as used herein does notnecessarily refer to the same embodiment and the phrase “in anotherembodiment/example” as used herein does not necessarily refer to adifferent embodiment. It is intended, for example, that claimed subjectmatter include combinations of example embodiments in whole or in part.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,”“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, whileother embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and orsteps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended toimply that features, elements and or steps are in any way required forone or more embodiments, whether these features, elements and or stepsare included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like aresynonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and donot exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations and soforth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not inits exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a listof elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements inthe list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y,and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understoodwith the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc.may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is notgenerally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at leastone of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.The term “and or” means that “and” applies to some embodiments and “or”applies to some embodiments. Thus, A, B, and or C can be replaced withA, B, and C written in one sentence and A, B, or C written in anothersentence. A, B, and or C means that some embodiments can include A andB, some embodiments can include A and C, some embodiments can include Band C, some embodiments can only include A, some embodiments can includeonly B, some embodiments can include only C, and some embodimentsinclude A, B, and C. The term “and or” is used to avoid unnecessaryredundancy. Similarly, terms, such as “a, an,” or “the,” again, may beunderstood to convey a singular usage or to convey a plural usage,depending at least in part upon context. In addition, the term “basedon” may be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusiveset of factors and may, instead, allow for existence of additionalfactors not necessarily expressly described, again, depending at leastin part on context.

While exemplary embodiments of the disclosure may be described,modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. Forexample, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to theelements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described hereinmay be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to thedisclosed methods. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description isintended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step,module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novelmethods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety ofother forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form of the methods and systems described herein may be madewithout departing from the spirit of the invention or inventionsdisclosed herein. Accordingly, the following detailed description doesnot limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure isdefined by the appended claims.

The present disclosure relates generally to a sanitizing assembly 100that may be comprised of an enclosure for housing a conveyor module, aplurality of sanitizing light sources, and optionally a sealing module.Objects that need to be sanitized may be transported or placed insidethe enclosure to receive exposure to electromagnetic lights from aplurality of sanitizing light sources. Generally, the objects that needto be sanitized may be any organic or inorganic objects that fit insidethe enclosure. A “sanitizing light source” may be any electromagneticlight or radiant energy source that is within the wavelength range ofsanitizing and disinfecting objects from bacteria and viruses. Afterbeing exposed to the sanitizing lights, the objects may convey out ofthe apparatus or go through a sealing module 150 before exiting theenclosure 110. The conveyor module 140 of the sanitizing device may bedriven by torque created by an exterior conveyor belt or a motorizedmechanism integrated within the apparatus.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram showingthe broad scope of components that may facilitate the functioning of asystem in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, wherein optional or alternative components are shown indotted lines. Generally, a system in accordance with the presentinvention includes a sanitizing assembly 100 comprising of an enclosure110, conveyor module 140, and sanitizing light sources module(sanitizing module 130). In exemplary embodiments, sanitizing module 130may be situated inside of enclosure 110 wherein the sanitization and ordisinfection process takes place. The enclosure 110 may have an inlet140 a and an outlet 140 b for objects to enter and exit the enclosure110. The objects requiring sanitization may be placed on a conveyor ofthe conveyor module 140 in order to travel through the inside of theenclosure 110 and be exposed to sanitizing light emitted from sanitizingmodule 130 thereby disinfecting the objects.

In one exemplary embodiment, the conveyor module 140 may move theobjects from the exterior of the enclosure 110 to the interior of theenclosure 110 to be disinfected by way of a conveyor that may extendoutside of the enclosure. In another exemplary embodiment, the wholeconveyor module 140 may be inside the enclosure 110 and objects may beplaced on the conveyor module 140 through an inlet 140 a that excludes aportion of the conveyor. The sanitizing assembly 100 may also include asealing module 150 where the sanitized objects can be covered,encapsulated, or sealed by a sealing material 407 to preserve theobjects' cleanliness. The sealing apparatus may also comprise of amechanism to trim and detach the sealed object from the rest of thesealing material 407. When the objects are sanitized by a sanitizinglight emitted from the sanitizing module 130, and possibly covered,encapsulated, or sealed, they exit the enclosure 110 through an exitoutlet 140 b.

In some exemplary embodiments, as shown, system 100 may further includean external conveyor interface 110 a coupled to a portion of theenclosure 110, which allows the conveyor module 140 to use an externalsource to power or drive a conveyor belt of the conveyor module. Forexample, and without limiting the scope of the present invention,interface 110 a may be a conveyor interface for coupling the conveyormodule 140 to an external conveyor system such as a conveyor system of acash register commonly found in supermarkets, retail stores, orconvenience stores, wherein the conveyor interface is adapted to drivethe conveyor belt of the conveyor module 140 from the force exerted bythe external conveyor system of the cash register. Interface 110 a maytherefore facilitate an efficient integration of assembly 100 with anexisting conveyor system without requiring modifications to the externalsystem or disrupting the original conveyor flow of the existing conveyorsystem.

Turning now to the next figure, FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagramshowing one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, enclosure 110 houses a sanitizing module 130 and at leastpart of the conveyor module 140 but excludes sealing module 150. In thisembodiment, conveyor module may include a conveyor drive mechanism 141and a conveyor support mechanism 142, which in some embodiments maycomprise of or be integral with an external conveyor interface 110 a—inwhich case the conveyor drive mechanism 141 may be connected to anexterior conveyor belt. In such embodiments, the conveyor drivemechanism 141 may convert the motion of the exterior conveyor belt intothe necessary torque needed for a conveyor belt of the conveyor module140 to move the objects through the sanitizing assembly 100. In oneexemplary embodiment of the invention, some of the components thatcomprise the conveyor drive mechanism may include, but are not limitedto, a conveyor belt 143, conveyor rollers 301, conveyor pulley wheels307, and torque transfer wheels 306. In one exemplary embodiment of theinvention, some of the components that comprise the conveyor supportmechanism may include, but not limited to, a conveyor enclosure 201,conveyor support subassembly 302, pulley pressure blocks 305, pulleysupport channel 304, and springs 308. The conveyor module 140 may alsoextend to the outside of the enclosure to transport objects to theinside of the enclosure.

The enclosure may also house the sanitizing module 130. In one exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the placement of the sanitizing lightsources may be divided to sanitizing light sources between conveyor beltsections and sanitizing light sources attached inside of enclosure andabove the conveyor belt. The sanitizing light sources between conveyorbelt 131 may be attached in between the part of the conveyor module 140that is enclosed by the enclosure. The sanitizing light sources attachedinside of enclosure 132 may be mounted on the inside top and sidesurfaces of the enclosure.

Turning now to the next figure, FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagramshowing another embodiment of the apparatus that discloses a variationof the invention's components in accordance with exemplary embodimentsof the present invention. The figure shows the invention having anenclosure 110 that houses sanitizing module 130, conveyor module 140,and a sealing module 150. In this embodiment, conveyor module 140 mayhave components for the conveyor drive for conveyor belt 144 andcomponents for conveyor drive for sealing module 145. The conveyor drivefor conveyor belt 144 set the conveyor belt 143 in motion, which alsomoves the objects through the sanitizing module 130. In one exemplaryembodiment of the invention, some of the components that comprise theconveyor drive for conveyor belt 144 may include, but not limited to, aconveyor belt 143, at least one motorized conveyor roller 601, at leastone generic conveyor roller, and other essential components needed toset a conveyor module in motion. The conveyor drive for the sealingmodule 145 sets the sealing material 407 for the sealing module 150 inmotion. The conveyor drive for the sealing module 145 also moves thesanitized objects through the sealing module 150. In one exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the sanitized objects are laid on top andunder the layers of sealing material 407 attached to the conveyor drivefor the sealing module 145, where there is enough static frictionbetween the surfaces for the conveyor drive for the sealing module 145to move the sanitized objects through the sealing module 150. In oneexemplary embodiment of the invention, some of the components thatcomprise the conveyor drive for the sealing module 145 may include, butnot limited to, upper sealer motorized roller 611, lower sealermotorized roller 602, upper stabilization conveyor 607, and otheressential components needed to set a conveyor module in motion.

The enclosure 110 may also house the sanitizing module 130. In oneexemplary embodiment of the invention, the placement of the sanitizinglight sources may be divided to sanitizing light sources betweenconveyor belt 131 and sanitizing light sources attached inside of topbottom shell 401. The sanitizing light sources between conveyor belt 131may be attached in between the part of the conveyor module 140 that isenclosed by the enclosure 110. The sanitizing light sources attachedinside of bottom shell 401 may be mounted on the inside top and sidesurfaces of the enclosure 110.

The sealing module 150 may be comprised of a sealer die 151, trim die152, and sealing material roll 153. The sealer die 151 may enclose andvacuum-seal the sanitized objects with a sealing material 407. In oneexemplary embodiment of the invention, some of the components thatcomprise the sealer die 151 may include, but not limited to, uppersealer die 609, lower sealer die 603, die actuator 608, and otheressential components needed to seal objects. The trim die 152 may cutand detach the sealed object from the rest of the sealing material 407attached to it. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, some ofthe components that comprise the trim die 152 may include, but notlimited to, upper trim die 610, sponge platen (upper), lower trim die604, die actuator 608, and other essential components needed to trimobjects. The sealing material roll 153 may be the rollers that containand support the sealing material 407. In one exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the sealing material 407 may be thermoplastic, and the sealerdie 151 may be a heat-sealing module. In one exemplary embodiment of theinvention, some of the components that comprise the sealing materialroll may include, but not limited to, upper sealer roll 606, lowersealer roll 605, upper stabilization conveyor 607, and other essentialcomponents needed to seal objects.

Turning now to the next figure, FIG. 2A illustrates the outside view ofone embodiment of the sanitizing assembly 100 that can be installed ontop of an existing or external conveyor belt. For example, and withoutlimiting the scope of the present invention, sanitizing assembly 100 maybe installed on a cash register system 200, which may include a counter161 and a conveyor 162 that drives a sanitizing assembly 100 installedon top of the conveyor 162, and a cash register 163. The sanitizingassembly 100 may be adjusted and placed on top of the external conveyorbelt used for transferring organic or inorganic objects. Examples ofexterior conveyor belts may include, but not limited to, conveyor beltsused in grocery stores and department stores to transfer products to thecashier, conveyor belts used in warehouses and factories to transfergoods to a predetermined destination, or any conveyor belt transportingsystem that requires the objects placed on top of it to be sanitized.The motion of the exterior conveyor belt may drive the conveyor belt 143of the sanitizing assembly 100. In this figure, the invention's conveyormodule 140 is designed to receive objects from the exterior of theenclosure 201 and transfer them inside the enclosure 110 wheresanitization, and possibly sealing, would take place.

Turning now to the next figure, FIG. 2B illustrates a close-up view ofthe outside view of one embodiment of the sanitizing assembly 100 thatcan be installed on top of an exterior conveyor belt in accordance withexemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Generally, the conveyor enclosure 201 stores some of the internalcomponents of the sanitizing assembly 100, which may include the neededcomponents to operate and set motion the conveyor module 140. In oneexemplary embodiment of the invention, the conveyor enclosure 201 mayhouse the components of the conveyor drive mechanism 141 that include,but not limited to, the conveyor belt 143, conveyor rollers 301,conveyor pulley wheels 307, torque transfer wheels 306, and othercomponents for operating the conveyor module. In one exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the conveyor enclosure may also store theconveyor support module 142 that includes, but is not limited to, aconveyor support subassembly 302, pulley pressure blocks 305, pulleysupport channel 304, compression springs 308, and possibly a conveyorexit apron 303. The conveyor enclosure 201 may also include othercomponents that are generic but essential for the support andfunctioning of the apparatus. The conveyor enclosure 201 may also storea plurality of lamps of the sanitizing module 130 in between the topsurface and bottom surface of the conveyor belt 143. In one exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the conveyor enclosure may store at leastparts of a sealing module also.

Generally, the conveyor enclosure 201 may be designed to have a shape orbe built of a material that prevents light generated by the sanitizingmodule 130 from escaping the inside of the enclosure 120. In anexemplary embodiment of the invention, the shape or material of theenclosure 120 may also reduce the fluid flow or electromagneticradiation flow from the inside and outside of the enclosure. In oneexemplary embodiment of the invention, the conveyor enclosure 201 mayhave a rectangular shape, a trapezoid shape, or curved shape. The edgesand boundaries of the conveyor enclosure 201 may be smooth or sharp. Inone exemplary embodiment of the invention, the material that makes upthe conveyor enclosure 201 may be made out of a metallic material, suchas steel or aluminum. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention,the material that makes up the conveyor enclosure 201 may be made out ofpolymer, such as plastic or rubber, or a composite material.

An enclosure 120 may be attached on top of the conveyor enclosure, whichat least covers part of the top surface of the conveyor enclosure 201.The enclosure 120 is another form of enclosure 110 that creates aninternal chamber for objects to enter and be sanitized by thesanitization light sources 130. In one exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the enclosure 120 and the conveyor enclosure 201 may be onepiece. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the enclosure120 and the conveyor enclosure 201 may be at least two pieces andcapable of being fastened and detached from each other. In one exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the enclosure 120 and the conveyorenclosure 201 may have a latch and clasp mechanism 403 where a latchcatch 408 is installed on one part and an enclosure clasp 404 isinstalled on the other compartment to allow the two sections to fastenand detach from one another. The enclosure 120 may prevent the lightproduced by the sanitizing module 130 from escaping to the exteriorenvironment. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the enclosure120 may also reduce the fluid flow or electromagnetic radiation flowbetween the interior of the enclosure and the exterior environment. Theenclosure 120 may also cover at least part of the conveyor module 140and conveyor belt 143. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, theenclosure 120 may cover the whole conveyor module 140 and conveyor belt143.

Generally, the enclosure 120 may have any shape that has sufficientvolume to allow objects needed to be sanitized to enter and exit theinside of the enclosure 120 and be sanitized. In an exemplary embodimentof the invention, the enclosure 120 may have a rectangular shape,trapezoid shape, or curve shape. Generally, any material can be used tomake up the enclosure 120 that prevents the light generated inside fromescaping. The enclosure may be made out of the same material as theconveyor enclosure 201. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, thematerial that comprises the enclosure 120 may be made out of a metallicmaterial, such as aluminum or steel. In another embodiment of theinvention, the material comprising the enclosure 120 may be made out ofa polymer material or a composite material.

FIG. 2B also shows the conveyor belt 143 extending from the exterior ofthe enclosure 120 to the interior of the enclosure 120. The conveyorbelt may be operated by a plurality of conveyor rollers 301. In oneexemplary embodiment of the invention, the conveyor belt 143 may bedriven by a conveyor module that uses the motion of an exterior conveyorbelt to produce the torque necessary to rotate the plurality of theconveyor rollers 301 and move the conveyor belt 143. In anotherexemplary embodiment of the invention, some of the conveyor rollers 301operating the conveyor belt 143 may be motorized and move the conveyorbelt 143 independent from an exterior conveyor belt.

The conveyor belt 143 may be flat belt or cleated. The flat beltembodiment of the conveyor belt 143 may have a smooth horizontal surfacethroughout the length of the conveyor belt 143. The cleated embodimentof the conveyor belt 143 may have vertical cleats that extend from thesurface of the conveyor belt 143 to compartmentalize the sections of theconveyor belt 143. The conveyor belt 143 may also comprise of a singlepiece or be modular. The modular embodiment of the conveyor belt 143 maycomprise of multiple or numerous pieces that are hinged or interlockedtogether. The conveyor belt 143 may also withstand the emission ofelectromagnetic radiation and heat created from the sanitizing module130 and have some of the characteristics of a sanitary or washdownconveyor belt.

The conveyor belt 143 may also be made out of transparent orsemi-transparent material to allow the light produced by the sanitizinglight sources between conveyor belt 131 to reach the objects placed onthe conveyor belt 143. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, thetransparent or semi-transparent material of the conveyor belt may be asingle piece with see-through characteristics. In another embodiment,the conveyor belt 143 may be modular with numerous interlocked piecesthat have spacing between them. As a result, the light generated fromthe sanitizing light sources between conveyor belt 131 may traversethrough the gaps and reach the bottom surface of the object.

The opening inlet and the exit outlet of the enclosure 120 may havelight containment shroud such as curtains 202 that serve as movablebarriers between the inside and outside of the enclosure 120. The lightcontainment curtains 202 may function to allow objects to enter and exitthe enclosure 120 and limit the amount of light produced by thesanitizing module 130 from escaping the inside of the enclosure 120. Inone exemplary embodiment of the invention, the light containmentcurtains 202 may also reduce the fluid flow or electromagnetic radiationflow between the interior of the enclosure 120 and the exteriorenvironment. The light containment curtains 202 may extend from the topof the enclosure 120 to the top surface of the conveyor belt 143.Generally, the light containment curtains 202 may have any shape thatblocks light from entering and exiting the inside of the apparatus. Inone exemplary embodiment of the invention, the light containmentcurtains 202 may be comprised of numerous rectangular strips with nogaps between them. Generally, the material that make up the lightcontainment curtains 202 may be made out of any material that preventslight from entering and exiting the inside of the apparatus. In oneexemplary embodiment of the invention, the light containment curtains202 may comprise of elastic polymer material, such as plastic or rubber.

Turning now to the next figure, FIG. 2C illustrates a transparent viewthrough the exterior walls of one embodiment of the sanitizing assemblyin accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fromthis view, it can be seen that a plurality of sanitizing module 130 canbe installed inside the side surfaces and ceilings of the enclosure, orenclosure, and between the top surface and bottom surface of thetransparent or semi-transparent conveyor belt that occupy the inside ofthe enclosure. The purpose of the sanitizing module 130 is to sanitizethe objects that get exposed to the electromagnetic light. In oneexemplary embodiment, the sanitizing module 130 may comprise of a lightbulb, circuitry, wiring, and a mount.

Generally, the sanitizing module 130 may include conventional bulbs,filaments, LEDs, mercury-vapor lamps, excimer lamps, or other types ofradiant energy producing sources suitable for emitting energy that issanitizing. The sanitizing module 130 may produce light in anywavelength designed to sanitize the objects. In one exemplary embodimentof the invention, the sanitizing module 130 emit ultraviolet lightsbetween the 100 to 400 nanometer wavelength range. In one exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the sanitizing module 130 may emit lightbetween the 100 to 300 nanometer wavelength range or the wavelength of ageneric germicidal UV light source. In another exemplary embodiment ofthe invention, the sanitizing light source 130 may emit light at the UVCwavelength range, which may coincide with the previous exemplaryembodiment light emissions disclosed herein. Generally, the fluence rateor UV dose rate is in a sufficient range to substantially sanitize theobjects being transferred through the conveyor belt. In some exemplaryembodiments, sanitizing module 130 is compatible with a wide range ofradiant energy wavelengths so that the sanitizing module 130 may becustomized to meet the users' sanitizing needs depending on the targetbacterial and or virological environments undergoing treatment. To theseends, for example and without limiting the scope of the presentinvention, sanitizing module 130 may be adapted to incorporate differentradiant emitting sources, such as different LED lights wherein each LEDlight corresponds to a different wavelength or wavelength range.

The sanitizing light sources between conveyor belt 131, sanitizing lightsources attached inside of enclosure 132, and sanitizing light sourcesattached inside of bottom shell 401 may have the same specifications asdescribed for the sanitizing module 130.

The different components of the embodiment's conveyor module 140 canalso be seen. Particularly, the conveyor belt transports the objectsthrough the sanitization process by the circular motion of a pluralityof conveyor rollers 301, conveyor pulley wheels 307, and torque transferwheels 306, which translate the motion of an exterior conveyor belt tothe conveyor belt 143 of the sanitizing assembly 100.

Turning now to the next figure, FIG. 3A illustrates the internalcomponents of the conveyor subassembly mechanism with the conveyor belt143 removed in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention. From this view, the sanitizing light sources between conveyorbelt 131 may be seen here. The sanitizing light sources between conveyorbelt 131 may be between the top surface of the conveyor belt and thebottom surface of the conveyor belt and attached to the pulley pressureblocks 305. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sanitizinglight sources between conveyor belt 131 may be only placed within theinside of the enclosure.

The sanitizing light sources between conveyor belt 131 have the samespecifications as described previously. In one exemplary embodiment ofthe invention, the sanitizing light sources between conveyor belt 131may comprise of a light source, circuitry, wiring, and mount for thelight source to be fixed between the upper and lower sections of theconveyor belt. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, thesanitizing light sources between conveyor belt 131 may emitelectromagnetic light in the 100 to 400 nanometers wavelength range. Inanother embodiment of the invention, the sanitizing light sourcesbetween conveyor belt 131 may emit electromagnetic light between the 100to 300 nanometer wavelength range or the wavelength of a genericgermicidal UV light source. The purpose of the sanitizing light sourcesbetween conveyor belt 131 is to sanitize the objects from below byemitting through the transparent or semi-transparent conveyor belt. Insome exemplary embodiments, sanitizing module 130 is compatible with awide range of radiant energy wavelengths so that the sanitizing module130 may be customized to meet the users' sanitizing needs depending onthe target bacterial and or virological environments undergoingtreatment. To these ends, for example and without limiting the scope ofthe present invention, sanitizing module 130 may be adapted toincorporate different radiant emitting sources, such as different LEDlights wherein each LED light corresponds to a different wavelength orwavelength range.

The conveyor rollers 301 are also shown in this figure where theyfunction to rotate and set the conveyor belt 143 in motion. The conveyorrollers 301 may be cylindrical shaped and orientated horizontally wherethe terminal edges have shafts that are attached to the pulley pressureblocks 305. The conveyor rollers 301 are rotatable about theirlongitudinal axis and can move in circular motion to drive the conveyorbelt 143 in linear motion. The conveyor roller' s 301 shafts extend outto connect to the conveyor pulley pressure blocks 305. Between theshaft's region that connects with the pulley pressure blocks 305 and theterminal cylindrical edge of the roller, there may be a conveyor pulleywheel 307 that is attached to the shaft at the center region of theconveyor pulley wheel 307.

The conveyor pulley wheels 307 may receive torque from the torquetransfer wheels 306 to set the conveyor rollers 301 in rotationalmotion. The torque transfer wheels 306 may be placed below the conveyorpulley wheels so the upper arc lengths of the torque transfer wheels 306contacts the lower arc lengths of the conveyor pulley wheels 307. Thelower arc lengths of the torque transfer wheels 306 contact the exteriorconveyor belt. As the exterior conveyor belt sets in motion, the linearmotion of the exterior conveyor belt rotates the torque transfer wheels306. Such rotational motion translates to the conveyor pulley wheels 307and the conveyor rollers 301, which causes the conveyor belt 143 to moveand transport the objects through the apparatus. In one exemplaryembodiment, some of the conveyor rollers 301 may be motorized or beattached to a motorized drive to provide additional torque in order tomove the conveyor belt 143. Two additional actuators could also increasethe downward force on the torque transfer pulley wheels in contact withthe store conveyor belt, if necessary. These could also be connected toload cells to measure the force.

Generally, the conveyor rollers 301 may be made out of any material. Inone exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least the outer surface ofthe conveyor rollers 301 may be made out of a metallic material, such assteel or aluminum. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, atleast the outer surface of the conveyor rollers 301 may be made out ofpolymer material, such as plastic or rubber, or composite material.

FIG. 3A also illustrates the conveyor exit apron 303 that is attached tothe pulley pressure blocks 305 at the end of the apparatus near the exitof the enclosure 110 or enclosure 120. The conveyor exit apron 303 maybe a downward inclined ramp that the sanitized objects may slide to theoutside of the apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention,the incline of the conveyor exit apron 303 may be adjusted. Generally,the surface of the conveyor exit apron 303 can be of any shape thatallows for the sanitized objects to slide out of the enclosure 120. Inan exemplary embodiment of the invention, the surface of the conveyorexit apron 303 may be rectangular shaped. Generally, any material canmake up the conveyor exit apron 303. The material may have a smoothsurface that has a low friction coefficient. In one exemplaryembodiment, the material making up the conveyor exit apron 303 may bemetallic, such as aluminum or steel. In another exemplary embodiment,the material may be polymer or composite material.

The conveyor support subassembly 302 is also shown in the figure, whichmay have a left and right portion and be housed in the conveyorenclosure 201. Generally, the conveyor support subassembly 302 runsalong the length of the sanitizing assembly 100, and the left and rightportion are placed at the width of the invention. The conveyor supportsubassembly 302 may support the conveyor module 140 and house the pulleypressure blocks 305.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the compression springs308 may be screwed on the top surface of the conveyor supportsubassembly 302 and create a gap between the top surface of the pulleypressure block 305 and the interior top surface of the conveyor supportsubassembly 302 where the spring of the compression springs 308 canstretch and retract. The compression springs 308 adjust the pulleypressure block's 305 height within the conveyor support subassembly 302depending on the weight placed on the conveyor belt 143. Moreover, whena securing mechanism, for example a latch 304 a is employed, whichcouples the assembly to an existing structure of the retail conveyorbelt enclosure, the springs 308 enable adjustment of a desired pressureor force sandwiching the assembly with the retail conveyor in order toproduce a desired contact and traction between the retail conveyor beltand the transfer and pulley wheels 306 and 307.

Generally, the conveyor support subassembly 302 may be any shape thatwould support of the conveyor module and allow the pulley pressureblocks 305 to fit inside the subassembly. In one exemplary embodiment ofthe invention, the conveyor support subassembly 302 may be two C-shapedbeams at the width of the apparatus where their openings face theinterior of the conveyor module 140 and allow for the pulley pressureblocks 305 to fit inside the gap.

Generally, the conveyor support subassembly 302 may be made out of anymaterial that provides sturdy support to the apparatus. In an exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the conveyor support subassembly 302 may bemade up of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel. In anotherexemplary embodiment of the invention, the conveyor support subassembly302 may be made up of polymer or composite material.

Turning now to the next figure, FIG. 3B illustrates the longitudinalcross-sectional view of a conveyor module 140 in accordance withexemplary embodiments of the present invention. The tension on thecompression strings is adjusted on installation to create sufficientforce to ensure the torque transfer from the store conveyor belt to theconveyor. In some exemplary embodiments, the tension may be controlledby way of mechanical components such as screws and springs. In someexemplary embodiments, the tension may be controlled by way of actuatorswith sensors adapted to adjust depending on a condition of an existingconveyor system, in order to eliminate a need to continuously adjust theassembly.

The pulley pressure block 305 fits within the conveyor supportsubassembly 302 and extends along the length of the apparatus. Thepulley pressure blocks 305 can be beams that support the apparatus,particularly the conveyor module 140. In one exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the conveyor support subassembly 302 is C-shaped, and thepulley pressure block 305 is rectangular shaped that fits inside theopening of the C-shape. The conveyor rollers 301, the conveyor pulleywheels 307, and the torque transfer wheels 306 can be attached to thepulley pressure blocks 305 to rotate and create the torque needed to setthe conveyor belt 143 in motion. The conveyor rollers 301 arehorizontally attached to the pulley pressure blocks 305. In an exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the pulley pressure blocks 305 may haveregions and spaces that allow the conveyor rollers' 301 shafts, whichalso have the conveyor pulley wheels 307 attached to it, to link withthe pulley pressure blocks 305 and rotate about their circularcross-sectional center point. The pulley pressure blocks 305 may alsohave regions and spaces that allows the torque transfer wheels 306 tolink and rotate about their circular cross-sectional center point. Aview of how the rotational mechanism works is shown in FIG. 3B.

The sanitizing light sources between conveyor belt 131 may also beattached to the pulley pressure blocks 305 in the portion that isenclosed by the enclosure 120, or enclosure 110. Generally, the pulleypressure blocks 305 may be any shape that allow for the support of theconveyor module 140. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, thepulley pressure blocks 305 may be rectangular beams housed inside theconveyor support subassembly 302 and extending along the length of theinvention. Without limiting the scope of the invention, the beams may ormay not be hollow inside.

Generally, the pulley pressure blocks 305 may be made out of anymaterial suitable for supporting the apparatus and the conveyor module140. In an exemplary embodiment, the pulley pressure blocks 305 may bemade out of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the pulley pressure blocks 305 may be made out ofpolymer material or composite material.

From this view, the conveyor pulley wheels 305, which are connected tothe conveyor rollers 301, may be placed in between the upper surface andbottom surface of the conveyor belt 143 and above the torque transferwheels 306. From this position, the conveyor pulley wheels 305 contactthe torque transfer wheels 306 and receives the torque needed to movethe conveyor belt 143. The circular motion of the conveyor pulley wheels305 rotates the conveyor rollers 301 and, as a result, sets in motionthe conveyor belt 143. Such movement occurs because at lower arc lengthsof the conveyor pulley wheels 307 contacts the upper arc lengths oftorque transfer wheels 306. The torque transfer wheels 306 rotate andtranslate torque to the conveyor pulley wheels 307 because the lower arclengths of the torque transfer wheels contacts the exterior conveyorbelt. As a result, the linear motion of exterior conveyor belt providesa torque and sets the torque transfer wheels 306 in circular motion, asseen in FIG. 3B. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, theconveyor pulley wheels 307 may have wheel treads or tracks to createmore traction between its surface and the torque transfer wheels 306.

Generally, the conveyor pulley wheels 307 may be any shape that canreceive the torque from torque transfer wheels 306 and transfer thattorque to the conveyor rollers 301 and the conveyor belt 143. In anexemplary embodiment of the invention, the conveyor pulley wheels 307may have a cylindrical shape or a wheel shape. The conveyor pulleywheels 307 may also have curved edges and boundaries. Generally, theconveyor pulley wheels 307 may be made of any material that allows forthe receiving of torque from the torque transfer wheels 306 and thetransferring of the torque to the rollers. In an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention, the conveyor pulley wheels 307 may be made out of ametallic material, such as steel or aluminum. In another exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the conveyor pulley wheels 307 may be madeout of polymer material or composite material.

The torque transfer wheels 306 are also shown to be attached to thepulley pressure blocks 305 and contacting the exterior conveyor belt andthe conveyor pulley wheels 307. The torque transfer wheels 306 arecapable of rotating about their center points and create torque from themotion of the exterior conveyor belt and translate the torque to theconveyor pulley wheels 307 and the conveyor rollers 301 to ultimatelymove the conveyor belt 143. The torque transfer wheels 306 may be placedbelow the conveyor pulley wheels 307 and above the exterior conveyorbelt. At upper arc lengths of the torque transfer wheels 306 contactsthe lower arc lengths of conveyor pulley wheels 307. Also the lower arclengths of the torque transfer wheels 306 contact the exterior conveyorbelt. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the torque transferwheels 306 may have wheel treads or tracks to create better tractionbetween the surfaces of the external conveyor belt and also the conveyorpulley wheel 307.

Generally, the torque transfer wheels 306 may be any shape that allowsthe receiving of torque from the exterior conveyor belt and transferthat torque to the conveyor pulley wheels 307. In an exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the torque transfer wheels 306 may have acylindrical shape or wheel shape. The torque transfer wheels 306 mayalso have curved edges and boundaries. Generally, torque transfer wheels306 may be made out of any material that allows for the receiving oftorque from an external conveyor belt and transferring that torque tothe conveyor pulley wheels 307. In an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the torque transfer wheels 307 may be made out of a metallicmaterial, such as steel or aluminum. In another exemplary embodiment ofthe invention, the torque transfer wheels 306 may be made out a ofpolymer material or a composite material.

The conveyor exit apron 303 may also be attached to the pulley pressureblock 305 at the exit outlet of the enclosure 120 or enclosure 110. Theconveyor exit apron's 303 height on the pulley pressure block 305 may beadjusted to change the steepness of the component.

The compression springs 308 can also be seen in FIG. 3C. As mentionedabove, when a securing mechanism, for example a latch 304 a is employed,the springs 308 enable adjustment of a desired pressure or forcesandwiching the assembly with the retail conveyor in order to produce adesired contact and traction between the retail conveyor belt and thetransfer and pulley wheels 306 and 307.

Turning now to the next figures, FIG. 3C-3D illustrate a close-up viewof some parts of the conveyor drive mechanism 141 in accordance withexemplary embodiments of the present invention. Generally, the conveyordrive mechanism 141 may be compartmentalized to a set of components thathave the same orientation and are repeated throughout the conveyormodule 140. In one exemplary embodiment, two torque transfer wheels 306are below and contacting a conveyor pulley wheel 307, one on its leftside and the other on the right side. The lower arc length of theconveyor pulley wheel 307 may be contacting the upper arc lengths of thetorque transfer wheels 306. The lower arc lengths of the torque transferwheels 306 contact the exterior conveyor belt. As the exterior conveyorbelt moves forward or backwards linearly, such motion makes the torquetransfer wheels 306 move in circular motion due to the frictional forcebetween the surfaces. The circular motion of the torque transfer wheels306 makes the conveyor pulley wheel 307 move in circular motion due tothe frictional forces between the surfaces. The conveyor pulley wheel307 then rotates the conveyor roller 301 since the two components sharethe same rotational shaft. As the conveyor roller 301 rotates, theconveyor belt 143 sets in motion since the conveyor roller 301 isconnected in between the bottom and top surface of the conveyor belt 143and provides a frictional push or pull force. This mechanism andorientation repeats along the conveyor module 140 to cover the fullrange of the conveyor belt 143.

Turning now to the next figure, FIG. 4A illustrates the outside view ofone embodiment of the sanitizing assembly 100 where the conveyor module140 is housed inside an enclosure along with the rest of the assembly' sinternal components in accordance with exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention. In this exemplary embodiment of the invention, it maybe appreciated that the invention may not need to be attached to anexterior conveyor belt and may function independently. Generally, theenclosure 110 may store the conveyor module 140, the sanitization lightsanitizing module 130, and the sealing module 150 and have sufficientvolume to allow objects needed to be sanitized to be placed inside. Theenclosure 110 may function to block the light produced by the sanitizinglight sources from exiting the inside of the apparatus. In one exemplaryembodiment, the enclosure 110 may also reduce the fluid flow orelectromagnetic radiation flow between the interior of the enclosure 110and the exterior environment.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the enclosure 110 maycomprise of a top shell 402 and a bottom shell 401 that can be fastenedand detached from each another, and in exemplary embodiments, may beswivably coupled together much like a briefcase. The top shell 402 maystore the upper parts of the conveyor module 140, the sanitizing module130, and the sealing module 150. The bottom shell 401 may store thelower parts of the conveyor module 140, the sanitizing module 130, andthe sealing module 150. A sufficiently large enough gap may exist insidethe enclosure between the bottom shell and the top shell so that objectscan travel through the enclosure when both the top and bottom shells arecoupled together in a closed position. The bottom shell 401 and the topshell 402 may have a latch and clasp mechanism 403 where a latch catch408 may be installed on either the upper or bottom shell and anenclosure clasp 404 may be attached on the other enclosure assembly toallow the two sections to fasten and detach from each other. Generally,any type of latch and clasp mechanism 403 designed for fastening anddetaching two-part storage objects may be used.

The interior and exterior of the enclosure 110 may also be connected byan entry inlet and an exit outlet placed on the opposite longitudinalends of the enclosure. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, theentry inlet may have an entry drawer 405 that acts as a hatch and opensand closes. The entry drawer 405 may comprise of a handle for theopening and closing of the entry. In one exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the exit outlet may have a conveyor exit apron 303 that maybe a downward inclined ramp where the sanitized items can slide and exitthe interior of the enclosure 110. In another exemplary embodiment, theexit outlet may contain a box or a basket that acts as an instrumentcatch bin 406 where the sanitized and sealed objects may fall inside.

Generally, the enclosure 110 may be designed to have a shape or be builtof a material that prevents light generated by the sanitizing module 130from escaping the inside of the enclosure. In an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention, the shape or material of the enclosure 110 may alsoreduce the fluid flow or electromagnetic radiation flow from the insideand outside of the enclosure 110. In one exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the enclosure 110 may have a rectangular shape, a trapezoidshape, or cuboid shape. The edges and boundaries of the enclosure 110may be smooth or sharp. In one exemplary embodiment, the material thatmakes up the enclosure 110 may be made out of a metallic material, suchas steel or aluminum. In another exemplary embodiment, the material thatmakes up the enclosure 110 may be made out of polymer, such as plasticor rubber, or a composite material.

Turning now to the next figure, FIG. 4B illustrates a close-up view ofthe outside view of the top shell 402 of one embodiment of thesanitizing assembly in accordance with exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the sanitizingassembly 100 may not need and can work independently from an exteriorconveyor belt (i.e., without requiring an interface such as interface110 a). The top shell 402 may be attached to the bottom shell 401 tocreate the assembly gap where objects can be sanitized and possiblycovered and sealed.

The top shell 402 may have sufficient volume to store the innercomponents of the invention and allow objects needed to be sanitized tofit inside and travel through the enclosure 110. Generally, the topshell 402 may be designed to have a shape or be built of a material thatprevents light generated by the sanitizing module 130 from escaping theinside of the enclosure 110. In an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the shape or material of the top shell 402 may also reducethe fluid flow or electromagnetic radiation flow from the inside andoutside of the enclosure 110. In one exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the top shell 402 may have a rectangular shape, a trapezoidshape, or curve shape. The edges and boundaries of the top shell 402 maybe smooth or sharp. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, thematerial that makes up the top shell 402 may be made out of a metallicmaterial, such as steel or aluminum. In another exemplary embodiment,the material that makes up the top shell 402 may be made out of polymeror a composite material.

The top shell 402 may have an entry inlet for objects needed to besanitized to be placed inside the apparatus. In an exemplary embodimentof the invention, the entry inlet may have an entry drawer 405 that actsas a hatch and opens and closes. The entry drawer 405 may comprise of ahandle for opening and closing the entry inlet. The entry drawer 405 mayprevent light from entering or exiting the apparatus. In an exemplaryembodiment, the entry drawer 405 may reduce the fluid flow orelectromagnetic radiation flow from the inside and outside of theapparatus. In another exemplary embodiment, the top shell 402 may alsohave an exit outlet corresponding to the entry inlet. In the shownembodiment, while the top shell 402 includes an inlet of the enclosure110 (i.e., the top shell 402 coupled to bottom shell 401), the top shell402 does not include an outlet and the outlet of enclosure 110 ispresent only on the bottom shell 401. Of course, a person of ordinaryskill in the art may appreciate that other inlet-outlet configurationsare possible, but this configuration facilitates an object moving fromthe inlet to the outlet in a manner that does not have to overcomegravity and thus avoid unnecessary mechanical strain or unnecessaryenergy consumption.

The top shell 402 may also have a fastening component such as a latchcatch 408 or an enclosure clasp 404 near the lower edge of the top shellwhere the edge connects with bottom shell. The latch and clasp mechanism403 help in fastening and detaching the top shell 402 with the bottomshell 401. Generally, any type of latch and clasp mechanism 403 designedfor fastening and detaching two-part storage objects may be used.

Turning now to the next figure, FIG. 4C illustrates a close-up view ofthe bottom shell 401 of one embodiment of the sanitizing assembly wherethe inside components are shown in accordance with exemplary embodimentsof the present invention. In this embodiment of the invention, thesanitizing assembly 100 includes a sealing module 150. Generally, theobjects needed to be sanitized undergo the sanitization process firstand get sealed subsequently via passing through the sealing module 150.

The bottom shell 401 may have sufficient volume to store the innercomponents of the invention and allow objects needed to be sanitized tofit inside and travel through the enclosure 110. Generally, the bottomshell 401 may be designed to have a shape or be built of a material thatprevents light generated by the sanitizing module 130 from escaping theinside of the enclosure 110. In an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the shape or material of the bottom shell 401 may also reducethe fluid flow or electromagnetic radiation flow from the inside andoutside of the enclosure 110. In one exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the bottom shell 401 may have a rectangular shape, atrapezoid shape, or curve shape. The edges and boundaries of the bottomshell may be smooth or sharp. In one exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the material that makes up the bottom shell 401 may be madeout of a metallic material, such as steel or aluminum. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the material that makes up the bottom shell 401may be made out of polymer or a composite material. In another exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the bottom shell 401 may be made out of thesame material as the top shell 402.

The objects needed to be sanitized may travel through the assembly bythe way of a conveyor module 140, which may include a conveyor belt 143.The conveyor belt 143 may be operated by a plurality of conveyorrollers. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the conveyorrollers may have at least one motorized conveyor roller 601 (see alsoFIG. 6A).

The conveyor belt 143 may be a flat belt or may be cleated. The flatbelt embodiment of the conveyor belt 143 may have a smooth horizontalsurface throughout the length of the conveyor belt 143. The cleatedembodiment of the conveyor belt 143 may have vertical cleats 143 a thatextend from the surface of the conveyor belt 143 to compartmentalize thesections of the conveyor belt 143. The conveyor belt 143 may alsocomprise of a single piece or be modular. The modular embodiment of theconveyor belt 143 may comprise of multiple or numerous pieces that arehinged or interlocked together. The conveyor belt 143 may also withstandthe emission of electromagnetic waves and heat created from thesanitizing light sources and have some of the characteristics of asanitary or washdown conveyor belt.

The conveyor belt 143 may also be made out of transparent orsemi-transparent material to allow the light produced by the sanitizinglight sources between conveyor belt 131 to reach the objects placed onthe conveyor belt 143. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, thetransparent or semi-transparent material may be a single piece withsee-through characteristics. In another embodiment, the conveyor belt143 may be modular with numerous interlocked pieces that have spacingbetween them. As a result, the light generated from the sanitizing lightsources between conveyor belt 131 may traverse through the gaps andreach the bottom surface of the object. In yet other exemplaryembodiments, the conveyor belt 143 may comprise a mesh or meshedmaterial that allows light to pass through.

The conveyor belt 143 may be designed to receive the objects from theentry inlet and transfer them through the sanitizing module 130 to besanitized. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the bottomshell 401 may have an entry inlet. In other embodiments, such as the oneshown, the inlet is exclusively on the top shell, but the bottom shellincludes an outlet, such as outlet 408 a.

After the sanitization, the objects may traverse through the sealingmodule 150 where they can be covered, enclosed, and sealed by a sealingmaterial 407 to preserve their cleanliness. The sanitized objects maytraverse through the sealing module 150 by the way of sealer motorizedrollers that comprise of upper sealer motorized roller 611 and lowersealer motorized roller 602 placed near the end of the assembly andprovide pulling forces.

The sealing material roll 153 has the sealing material 407 that thesanitized objects can be covered, enclosed, and sealed. In one exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the sealing material roll 153 may be aroller that has the sealing material 407 wrapped around it. In oneexemplary embodiment of the invention, the sealing material roll 153 maycomprise of two rollers that provide layers of the sealing material 407,which the layers may be attached to the sealer motorized rollers at theend of the sealing module. One layer, the lower sealer roll 605, may beplaced under the sanitized objects. The other layer, the upper sealerroll 606, may be placed on top of the sanitized object. The two layersmay then be pressed together to create an enclosure and sealing aroundthe sanitized object. A sanitized object may traverse through thesealing module 150 since it contacts the upper sealer roll 606 and thelower sealer roll 605, which are pulled by the sealer motorized rollersat the end of the apparatus. The sealer motorized rollers may compriseof an upper sealer motorized roller 611 and a lower sealer motorizedroller 602.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the lower sealer roll 605and upper sealer roll 606 may be comprised of rollers and sealingmaterial 407 that can seal together by heat sealing. The upper seal diemay also include a sponge-like platen which forces the air from thespace between the upper and lower sealing material rolls to create avacuum upon sealing. Such material may be a thermoplastic. The lowersealer roll 605 and the upper sealer roll 606 may be comprised of amaterial that also sever and detach when pressed by the trim die 152 ofthe sealing module 150. In one exemplary embodiment, the severing doneby the trim die 152 does not completely detach from the rest of the rolluntil the sealer motorized rollers pull the sealed object to the exitoutlet.

The bottom shell 401 may also have an exit outlet where the sanitizedand sealed objects may exit the assembly. In one exemplary embodiment,the exit outlet may have a downward inclined ramp where the sanitizedand possibly sealed objects may slide out of the assembly. In anotherexemplary embodiment of the invention, the exit outlet may have aninstrument catch bin 406. The instrument catch bin 406 may be capable ofcovering the exit outlet and receiving the sanitized products.Generally, the instrument catch bin 406 may be anything big enough tocatch the sanitized and sealed objects. In an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention, the instrument catch bin 406 may be a box or a basketwhere its opening faces the direction that the sanitized objects exitthe assembly.

The bottom shell 401 may also have a fastening component such as a latchcatch 408 or an enclosure clasp 404 near the upper edge of the bottomshell where the edge connects with the top shell. The latch and claspmechanism 403 help in fastening and detaching the bottom shell 401 withthe top shell 402. Generally, any type of latch and clasp mechanism 403designed for fastening and detaching two-part storage objects may beused.

Turning now to the next figure, FIG. 5A-FIG. 5B illustrate a see-throughtop view and a see-through front view of one embodiment of the presentinvention. From this view, the different components of the conveyormodule 140, sanitizing module 130, and sealing module 150 may be seenfrom the top and front view. The sealing module 150 may have an uppersealer roll 606 and a lower sealer roll 605 and a mechanism that severand detach the sealed sanitized objects from the rest of the sealermaterial. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the upper sealerroll 606 and the lower sealer roll 605 may be two rollers placed in thebeginning of the sealing module 150 and have the sealing material 407rolled up around their surface area. The upper sealer roll 606 may beattached before and near the upper sealer die 609, and the lower sealerroll 605 may be attached before and near the lower sealer die 603.

As may be gleaned from these views, in exemplary embodiments, thesanitizing light-emitting sanitizing module 130 may be generally housedon the top shell 401 of enclosure 110 and at a terminal end thatincludes the inlet 405. The conveyor module 140 may be positioned belowthe sanitizing light-emitting sanitizing module 130, typically securedto and entirely contained inside the bottom shell 403 of the enclosure110 and situated opposite to the outlet 408 a of the bottom shelf 403 ofthe enclosure 110. Sealing module 150 may be positioned adjacent to theconveyor module 140, situated opposite to the inlet 405 and adjacent tothe outlet 408 a of the bottom shelf 403 of the enclosure 110 in amanner such that the conveyor module 140 is in tandem with the sealingmodule 150. In exemplary embodiments, the sanitizing light-emittingsanitizing module 130 is secured to and entirely contained inside thebottom shell 403 of the enclosure 110.

Turning now to the next figure, FIG. 6A illustrates the interior view ofthe bottom shell 401 without a conveyor belt 143 and sealing material407 in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.From this view, the components on the lower portion of the assembly maybe seen. In this embodiment, the sanitizing assembly 100 may have asealing module 150 and a conveyor module 140 and may not need to beattached to an exterior conveyor belt.

Between the conveyor belt, which is not shown in the illustration, theremay exist sanitizing light sources between conveyor belt 131 designed toemit electromagnetic light through the transparent or semi-transparentconveyor belt 143. In one exemplary embodiment, the sanitizing lightsources between conveyor belt 131 may have the same specifications asthe general sanitizing module 130. Mainly, the sanitizing module 130 maycomprise of a light source, circuitry, wiring, and mount for the lightsource to be fixed between the upper and lower sections of the conveyorbelt. Generally, the sanitizing module 130 may be conventional bulbs,filaments, LEDs, mercury-vapor lamps, excimer lamps, or other types oflight producing sources.

The sanitizing module 130 may produce light in any wavelength designedto sanitize objects. In one exemplary embodiment, the sanitizing module130 produce ultraviolet lights between the 100 to 400 nanometerwavelength range. In another exemplary embodiment, the sanitizing module130 may emit light between the 100 to 300 nanometer wavelength range orthe wavelength of a generic germicidal UV light source. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the sanitizing module 130 may emit light at theUVC wavelength range, which may coincide with the previous exemplaryembodiment disclosed herein. Generally, the fluence rate or UV dose rateis in a sufficient range to substantially sterilize the objects beingtransferred through the conveyor belt 143.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the conveyor drive forconveyor belt 144 that sets the conveyor belt in motion may bemotorized. The conveyor drive for conveyor belt 144 may have at leastone motorized conveyor roller 601 having a cylindrical shape andinstalled horizontally between the upper and lower surface of theconveyor belt 143. The motorized conveyor roller 601 may be placed atthe beginning or ending portions of the conveyor belt 143 to rotate andprovide a pulling or pushing frictional force to the conveyor belt 143and set it in motion. The circular motion of the motorized conveyorroller 601 translates into the linear motion of the conveyor belt 143due to the frictional forces between the surfaces. The motorizedmechanism may be integrated with the motorized conveyor roller 601, orthe roller may be connected to a motor drive that provides the necessarytorque. In one exemplary embodiment, the motorized conveyor roller 601may be programmable to produce a desired torque, rotate at a certaincircular velocity, or start and stop when receiving a triggeringcondition.

The sealing module 150 of the sanitizing assembly 100 may comprise of asealer die 151, trim die 152, and sealing material roll 153. The sealerdie 151 may further comprise of a lower sealer die 603 and an uppersealer die 609.

The lower sealer die 603 may be a plate that outlines the boundary wherethe sealing material 407 from the sealing material roll 153 would bepressed and sealed. In one exemplary embodiment, the boundary may beoutlined by a gap where the upper sealer die 609 presses downwards toseal the sanitized object between the layers of the sealing material407. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sealing may bedone by a heat-sealing process where the sealing material 407 is athermoplastic. The upper sealer die 609 or lower sealer die 603 may havea heated mechanism where pressing against each other seals thethermoplastic around the sanitized object. In one exemplary embodimentof the invention, the outline of the sealing boundary of the lowersealer die 603 can be adjusted to change shape to adjust to thediffering shapes of objects needed to be sealed.

The trim die 152 may be comprised of a lower trim die 604 and upper trimdie 610. The lower trim die 604 may be a plate that outlines theboundary for the upper trim die 610 to press and cut the outerboundaries of the sealing around the sanitized objects. In one exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the outline of the trimming boundary of thelower trim die 152 can be adjusted to change shape to adjust to thediffering shapes of objects needed to be sealed and trimmed.

The sealing material 407 from the sealing material roll 153 may bepulled through the mechanism and get pressed by the sealer die 151 andthe trim die 152 and detach from the rest of the sealing material roll153. The sealer motorized rollers of the conveyor drive for sealingmodule 144 may be attached at the end of the sealing module 150 to pullthe sealing material 407 from the sealing material roll 153 placed inthe beginning of the sealing module 150.

Generally, the sealing material roll 153 may comprise of a lower sealerroll 605 and upper sealer roll 606. The lower sealer roll 605 providesthe sealing material 407 placed on top the lower sealer die 603 and thelower trim die 604 and under the sanitized object. The lower sealer roll605 may be pulled by the lower sealer motorized roller 602 through thesealer die 151 and the trim die 152. Generally, any type of sealingmaterial 407 can be used to seal and trim a sanitized object. In anexemplary embodiment of the invention, the sealing material 407 may bethermoplastic used in a heat-sealing process. The thermoplastic used mayalso be easy to cut and trim.

Turning now to the next figure, FIG. 6B illustrates the interior view ofthe components secured within the top shell 402 (although the top shellis not shown in this view). From this view, it can be seen that thesanitizing light sources attached inside of bottom shell 401 can beinstalled on the top or ceiling of the enclosure 110.

In one exemplary embodiment, the sanitizing light sources attachedinside of bottom shell 401 may have the same specifications as thegeneral sanitizing module 130. In one exemplary embodiment, thesanitizing module 130 may comprise of a light source, circuitry, wiring,and mount for the light source to be fixed on ceiling of the enclosure.Generally, the light sources may be conventional bulbs, filaments, LEDs,mercury-vapor lamps, excimer lamps, or other types of light producingsources.

The sanitizing module 130 may produce electromagnetic waves in anywavelength designed to sanitize objects. In one exemplary embodiment,the sanitizing module 130 produce ultraviolet lights between the 100 to400 nanometer wavelength range. In another exemplary embodiment, thesanitizing module 130 may emit light between the 100 to 300 nanometerwavelength range or the wavelength of a generic germicidal UV lightsource. In another exemplary embodiment, the sanitizing module 130 mayemit light at the UVC wavelength range, which may coincide with theprevious exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. Generally, the fluencerate or UV dose rate is in a sufficient range to substantially sterilizethe objects being transferred through the conveyor belt.

The upper sealer roll 606 may provide the sealing material 407 thatcovers the top surface of the sanitized object. The sealing material 407may be rolled around a roller and used for the sealing of the sanitizedobjects. The upper sealer roll 606 may contacts the surfaces of theupper sealer die 609 and upper trim die 610 that press against the lowersealer die 603 and lower trim die 604, respectively. The upper sealerroll 606 may be pulled by the upper sealer motorized roller 611 throughthe sealer die 151 and the trim die 152. Generally, the sealing material407 of the upper sealer roll 606 may be made out of any type of materialthat can be used to seal and trim sanitized objects. In an exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the sealing material 407 may be athermoplastic material used in a heat-sealing process. The thermoplasticmay also be easy to cut and trim.

The upper stabilization conveyor 607 may ensure that the sealingmaterial 407 from the upper sealer roll 606 stays flat and does notwrinkle as the sealing material 407 is pulled through the sealer die 151and the trim die 152. The upper stabilization conveyor 607 may be aroller or a cylindrical bar that is able to rotate around itslongitudinal axis. The upper stabilization conveyor 607 may be placedhorizontally before the upper sealer die 609 and below the upper sealerroll 606 to provide support to the sealing material 407 through thesealing module 150. The upper sealer motorized roller 611 may be thereceiver of the sealing material 407 that pass through the upperstabilization conveyor 607 by pulling the sealing material 407 towardsthe exit outlet. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the upperstabilization conveyor 607 may be motorized.

The die actuators 608 may be used to set the upper sealer die 609 andupper trim die 610 in downward and upward motion in order to pressagainst the lower sealer die 603 and the lower trim die 604 to seal andtrim the sanitized objects. In one exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the die actuators 608 may be programmable to operate at acertain frequency, timing, or determine the amount of applied force tothe upper sealer die 609 and the upper trim die 610 to press against thelower sealer die 603 and the lower trim die 604.

The upper sealer die 610 may press against the lower sealer die 603 toseal the sanitized objects that are placed in between the two plates.The upper sealer die 601 may be a plate that outlines the boundary wherethe sealing material 407 would be pressed and sealed. In one exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the upper sealer die 610 may have sealingedges extending outwards from the plate that outline the sealingboundary. The pressing of the upper sealer die 610 to the lower sealerdie 603 may seal the material around the boundary of the sanitizedobject. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sealing may bedone by a heat-sealing process where the sealing material 407 used is athermoplastic. The upper sealer die has a spongy platen attached to itsunderside that forces the air out between the two rollers as the sealeris activated. Either the upper sealer die 610 or lower sealer die 603may have a heated mechanism where pressing against each other seals thethermoplastic around the sanitized object. In one exemplary embodimentof the invention, the outline of the sealing boundary of the uppersealer die 610 can change shape to adjust to the differing shapes ofobjects needed to be sealed.

The upper trim die 610 may be designed to press against the lower trimdie 604 to cut a perimeter around the sealed object to detach it fromthe rest of the sealer roll. In one exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the upper trim die 610 may be a plate that has sharp edgesextending outwards, which outlines the boundary of where the sealingmaterial may be cut. As a result, when the upper trim die 610 is pressedagainst the lower trim die 604, the sealing material may be cut aroundthe sealed object. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, theoutline of the trimming boundary of the upper trim die 610 can changeshape to adjust to the differing shapes of objects needed to be sealedand trimmed.

Generally, after the sanitized object goes through the sealer die 151and the trim die 152, the object may reach the exit outlet of theassembly in any manner. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention,when the sanitized instrument is cut from the sealing material roll 153,the remaining sealing material 407 of the sealing material roll 153along with the next sealed instrument push the trimmed object towardsthe exit outlet of the sanitization assembly device. In one exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the sealing material roll 153 may becomprised of a lower sealer roll 605 and an upper sealer roll 606 thatare attached to motorized sealer rollers, which pull the sealingmaterial roll 153 to create the pushing force of the remaining sealingmaterial and the next sealed instrument in moving the trimmed sealedobject towards the exit outlet of the apparatus. The motorized sealerrollers may be comprised of lower sealer motorized roller 602 and uppersealer motorized roller 611.

The sealer motorized rollers, which comprise of the upper sealermotorized roller 611 and the lower sealer motorized roller 602, may helpin moving the sealing material roll 153 through the sealing module 150.The upper sealer motorized roller 611 pulls the sealing material 407 ofthe upper sealer roll 606 that covers the top surface of the sanitizedobject through the sealer die 151 and the trim die 152. The lower sealermotorized roller 602 pulls the sealing material 407 of the lower sealerroll 605 that covers the bottom surface of the sanitized object throughthe sealer die 151 and the trim die 152.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sealer motorizedrollers may have a cylindrical shape and be placed horizontally near theexit outlet to rotate about their longitudinal axis and pull the sealingmaterial 407 of the sealing material roll 153. The sealer motorizedrollers may have the motorized rotational drive component integrated inthe rollers or be connected to a motor drive that provides the necessarytorque. In one exemplary embodiment, the sealer motorized rollers may beprogrammable to pause motion in order to allow the sealer die 151 andthe trim die 152 to seal and trim the sanitized object.

A sanitizing assembly in accordance with the present invention providesnumerous advantages inadequately addressed, or not addressed at all, bythe prior art. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, a pass-thrusanitization system is provided. Moreover, embodiments of the presentinvention easily installs on top of existing conveyors and may beintegrated into pre-existing operations in retail environments. A systemrequires no modifications to the existing store's conveyor, except fortapping into the store conveyor's power source (for example, at thepedal that the checkout person steps on to move the conveyor). In someexemplary embodiments, the inclusion of electricity generating armaturesthat are attached to and concentric with the device' s conveyor systemrollers (driven by the torque generated by the store's conveyor) may beemployed to charge a battery that powers the lighting system, therebycreating a “plug and play” capability that requires no modifications atall to the current store conveyor.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes by the use of diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples. Insofar as such diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples containone or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by thosewithin the art that each function and/or operation within such diagrams,flowcharts, or examples may be implemented, individually and/orcollectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, orvirtually any combination thereof.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto describe devices and/or processes in the fashion set forth herein,and thereafter use engineering practices to integrate such describeddevices and/or processes into other similar systems. That is, at least apart of the devices and/or processes described herein may be integratedinto an airway interface system via a reasonable amount ofexperimentation.

The subject matter described herein sometimes illustrates differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, other components. It isto be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary,and that in fact many other architectures may be implemented whichachieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangementof components to achieve the same functionality is effectively“associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, anytwo components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality maybe seen as “associated with” each other such that the desiredfunctionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermediatecomponents.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art may translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

An apparatus describing a sanitizing device that transports and exposesobjects to a plurality of sanitizing light sources inside an enclosurehas been described. The foregoing description of the various exemplaryembodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes ofillustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in light of the above teaching withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention.

1. A sanitizing assembly, comprising: an enclosure with an inlet and anoutlet opposite longitudinal ends of the enclosure, the enclosureincluding a top shell coupled to a bottom shell; a conveyor modulesecured to and entirely contained inside the bottom shell of theenclosure, including a conveyor belt adapted to move objects between theinlet and the outlet of the enclosure; a conveyor interface for couplingthe conveyor module to an external conveyor system, the conveyorinterface adapted to drive the conveyor belt of the conveyor module froma force exerted by the external conveyor system; and a light-emittingmodule secured to and entirely contained inside the enclosure, thelight-emitting module adapted to disperse a sanitizing light onto theobjects moved between the inlet and the outlet of the enclosure.
 2. Thesanitizing assembly of claim 1, wherein the light-emitting moduleincludes a plurality of sanitizing light-emitting lamps situated on thetop shell of the enclosure and above the conveyor belt of the conveyormodule.
 3. The sanitizing assembly of claim 1, wherein thelight-emitting module includes a plurality of sanitizing light-emittinglamps situated on the bottom shell of the enclosure and below theconveyor belt of the conveyor module.
 4. The sanitizing assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the light-emitting module includes a plurality ofsanitizing light-emitting lamps situated on the top shell of theenclosure and directly above the conveyor belt of the conveyor module oron the bottom shell of the enclosure and directly below the conveyorbelt of the conveyor module.
 5. The sanitizing assembly of claim 4,wherein the conveyor belt comprises a transparent or semi-transparentmaterial to allow the light produced by the sanitizing light-emittingmodule to hit the objects.
 6. The sanitizing assembly of claim 1,wherein the conveyor interface comprises a conveyor support subassembly.7. The sanitizing assembly of claim 6, wherein the conveyor supportsubassembly includes springs for adjusting a desired pressure or forcesandwiching the conveyor support subassembly with the external conveyorsystem.
 8. The sanitizing assembly of claim 7, wherein the conveyorsupport subassembly is C-shaped.
 9. The sanitizing assembly of claim 1,further comprising a light-containment shroud at the inlet of theenclosure.
 10. The sanitizing assembly of claim 1, wherein the conveyorinterface comprises a conveyor exit apron.
 11. The sanitizing assemblyof claim 1, wherein the conveyor belt is a cleated belt.
 12. Thesanitizing assembly of claim 1, wherein the conveyor belt comprises amesh.
 13. The sanitizing assembly of claim 1, wherein the conveyorinterface is coupled to a portion of the enclosure.
 14. The sanitizingassembly of claim 1, wherein the external conveyor system is a conveyorsystem of a cash register.
 15. A sanitizing assembly, comprising: anenclosure with an inlet and an outlet opposite longitudinal ends of theenclosure, the enclosure including a top shell coupled to a bottomshell; a conveyor module secured to and entirely contained inside thebottom shell of the enclosure, including a conveyor belt adapted to moveobjects between the inlet and the outlet of the enclosure, the conveyorbelt including a transparent or semi-transparent surface to allow thelight produced by the sanitizing light-emitting module to hit theobjects; a conveyor interface for coupling the conveyor module to anexternal conveyor system, the conveyor interface adapted to drive theconveyor belt of the conveyor module from a force exerted by theexternal conveyor system of a cash register; and a light-emitting modulesecured to and entirely contained inside the enclosure, thelight-emitting module adapted to disperse a sanitizing light onto theobjects moved between the inlet and the outlet of the enclosure, whereinthe light-emitting module includes: a plurality of sanitizinglight-emitting lamps situated on the top shell of the enclosure anddirectly above the conveyor belt of the conveyor module or on the bottomshell of the enclosure and directly below the conveyor belt of theconveyor module.
 16. The sanitizing assembly of claim 15, wherein theconveyor interface comprises a conveyor support subassembly.
 17. Thesanitizing assembly of claim 16, wherein the conveyor supportsubassembly includes springs for adjusting a desired pressure or forcesandwiching the conveyor support subassembly with the external conveyorsystem.
 18. The sanitizing assembly of claim 17, wherein the conveyorsupport subassembly is C-shaped.
 19. The sanitizing assembly of claim15, further comprising a light-containment shroud at the inlet of theenclosure.
 20. The sanitizing assembly of claim 15, wherein the conveyorinterface comprises a conveyor exit apron.